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Alentejo Adventure

Bed & Breakfast, Camping/Caravans, Offgrid, Eco Bell Tents
Portalegre (Alentejo). Sleeps up to: 8

Alentejo Adventure - Click on photo for more photographs from Alentejo Adventure.

Indulge your Spirit of Adventure by Living Outdoors, Close to Nature, all with a Touch of Luxury. Experience True Relaxation within a Haven of Tranquillity set in a Breathtaking Landscape offering Space, Freedom and Clean, Fresh Air. Sleep Serenely under a Spectacular Night Sky. Marvel at Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets.

Meander through "Secret Portugal"; the unspoilt and uncrowded countryside of the Alentejo region. Immerse yourself in dramatic landscapes, places steeped in compelling history, interact with a colourful culture and a heritage with much of interest like the diverse architecture.

Become part of a secluded mountain valley whose natural Paradise of 25 acres includes a small lake, streams, meadows, woodland, heathland and rocky outcrops.
So whatever you desire from a rural retreat to a romantic getaway, you will find it waiting for you here.

We are excited to be able to provide a more adventurous alternative to Bed & Breakfast or conventional camping accommodation. Stay in a beautiful spacious and comfortable genuine Soul Pad (www.soulpad.co.uk ), your Indoor Room Outdoors positioned in its very own lovely meadow. By a mountain stream so you can see the amazing colours of dragonflies hovering over the sparkling water. Or near an olive tree able to watch bright butterflies alighting on the silvery leaves.

Specially chosen for their low impact on the environment, each traditionally designed, cotton canvas Soul Pad measures 5 metres in diameter. The walls can be moved up during the hot, sunny days to let a refreshing breeze waft gently over you. It looks really cool and creates the amazing impression that your Soul Pad is floating in mid air! They are fully kitted out with a wooden Futon bed (which converts to a sofa for day use), stylish 'Rustic Chic' furnishings and Solar lighting.

A delicious Continental breakfast served 'al fresco' on a wooden table and chairs is included.

A large tiled wetroom incorporating shower with hot/cold water, flushing toilet and handbasin provides a welcome touch of luxury at the end of the day's relaxation or activity. Waste is disposed of biologically and used water irrigates garden plants, shrubs and trees. No chemicals are utilised which would pollute the water courses.

We have our own private small lake which is fed by natural Mountain Streams for your use. 'Wild' Swimming or just lazing around! Try to spot local wildlife or birdwatch around its environs. Maybe even enjoy a delightful picnic by the waters edge.
Follow in the footsteps of Templar Knights, Pilgrims and Smugglers of Old! The Quinta offers tremendous opportunities for guests who like walking/hiking etc as numerous trails are accessed directly from the land. Our stunning situation in the magnificent Serra da Sao de Mamede Natural Park provides peaceful walks varying from one hour to one day and suitable for all levels. These give superb panoramic views and dramatic vistas even to Extramadura across the border in Spain. All within a short stroll from your Soul Pad! So if you don't want to drive during your stay here then leave the car behind and just enjoy this simplest of pleasures.

Our Quinta is well located just 20 minutes from picturesque Portalegre, the principal city of this part of the Alentejo region. The medieval 'Castles in the Air' of Marvão, Castelo de Vide and Alegrete are also close by. Travel time by car is only two and a half hours from Lisbon, the fabulous capital of Portugal; four hours from the Algarve and being a few kilometres from the border with Spain, Badajoz is one hour away.

To offset the Carbon Impact, for each of our guests' cars we will plant a young indigenous tree, such as cork oak, chestnut or arbutus (strawberry tree). Facilities are also provided so all our guests are able to recycle materials on site. This will help to sustain the natural beauty of the Alentejo landscape for future generations to enjoy.

Should you want us for anything then we are nearby. Just ask and we will do our very best to help

Being here it is ideal for people who wish to be in closer harmony with nature; who desire to scratch beneath the surface of their surroundings; who like to improvise and explore; who want to interact spontaneously with their environment; and who are adventurous of spirit. Come and discover this virtually unknown and relatively unspoilt part of the Alentejo where "Time is Time"

You're saying to yourself "It really can't be that good?" - It's not, It's better! You will not be disappointed.

Out and About:
Here in the Alentejo region the Serra da Sao de Mamede Natural Park is one of the most gorgeous and unspoilt parts of Portugal. Home to many of Europe's rarest birds and animals, the fascinating flora and fauna is due to the park's unique biodiversity which is a transition between Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. The dramatic countryside varies from wooded granite hills with the contrasting colours of the leaves of cork oaks, chestnut, pine, olive and eucalyptus trees to river valley pastures carpeted by wild flowers.

Watch many species of European birds! See various eagles, vultures, hawks, kites and owls. There are many year round residents, different storks, egrets, woodpeckers, songbirds and more. There is the possibility of spotting migratory species like the bee-eaters, hoopoe, rollers, swallows etc. not to mention more well known birds but who's numbers are declining such as robin, tits, wren, finches. Wildlife species include Javali (wild boar) Egyptian Mongoose, Genet, Wild Cat, Fox, various lizards such as Gecko and numerous frogs and toads and much more. Bring your binoculars so you can have a closer look.

The people of the Alentejo are welcoming, friendly and helpful. You may see local folk sitting and chatting with their neighbours by the village fountains, farmers ploughing with mules and shepherds tending their sheep or goats. A way of life still exists here which is almost unchanged for centuries and virtually untouched by the busy world elsewhere.

Portalegre 15 km away, has all the main facilities you would want: Tourist Information (also to be found at Marvão/Castelo de Vide), Restaurants/ Cafes / Bars, supermarkets, petrol stations, banks, main postoffice, council offices, sports amenities, modern hospital including A & E, medical clinics, pharmacies, vets, dentists, garages, coach station, hairdressers and clothes shops, more traditional shops, a daily indoor market, churches, museums, library, and lots of other services. eg cinema and concert hall.

Activities:
The Serra da Sao de Mamede Natural Park of the Alto Alentejo is ideal for environmentally low impact pursuits. These include walking, hiking, cycling (touring and mountain bike), canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, photography, painting, fishing, astronomy and so much more which will be enjoyed in this peaceful scenic area. In tranquil landscapes there are lakes and river beaches where 'Wild' swimming is possible as well as outdoor (seasonal) and indoor public pools. Each town in the area has their own good recreation and leisure amenities for those even more energetically inclined. Even to the extent of going paragliding!

The fine 18 hole Marvão golf course and clubhouse (both temporarily closed) is in a sublime setting 15 minutes away. Recently purchased by Turismo Portugal, their investment and management will see this facility reopen in the near future.

Heritage and Culture:
Here in the Alentejo are some of Portugal’s prettiest quaint whitewashed villages and medieval fortress hilltop towns for you to explore such as Marvão, (a UNESCO world heritage site). Marvel at the magnificent architecture of cathedrals, churches, monasteries and palaces in Portalegre and surrounding areas. A 'must see' are the evocative Roman archaeological remains of Ammaia near Portagem. There are many ancient Neolithic sites around the historic towns of Castelo de Vide and Arronches including the largest Monolith in Europe and wonderful cave paintings.

You can visit numerous absorbing museums and art galleries, attend concerts featuring folk dancing, Fado, classical and jazz music as well as more contemporary styles. Visit local artisans and watch them making regional handicrafts then make a purchase as a reminder of your stay here.

There are lively festivals for almost everything; religion, horses, wine, chestnuts, cheese, cakes, flowers, and more, which each lovely town celebrates in its own unique way. You are always more than welcome to join in. Don't forget the camera to capture your special moments!

Gastronomy:
Take time to appreciate the excellent Alentejo regional dishes on offer in the inviting local restaurants, cafes and bars, usually cooked with fresh locally grown organic ingredients. Try a glass of the traditional liqueurs and spirits produced using fruit from the picturesque vineyards and orchards in the vicinity of Portalegre.

Following the Rota dos Vinhos (Wine Route) you will get to know more about the internationally renowned though still much underrated wines of the Alentejo. Welcoming adegas enable you to enjoy guided visits, inviting you to sample the superb local wines with the opportunity to buy your favourites after the tastings.

The Rota das Sabores links places traditionally famed in the Alentejo for their regional speciality foods; such as cheeses, cured meats, smoked sausages and olive oil. Then there is local honey, preserves, delicious cakes and desserts, especially Doce Conventual where the recipes are based on cuisine originating in local convents.

All these hidden gems are within easy reach of the beauty and peace you will find on your Alentejo Adventure with Alegre Travel.

Meals (If Available):
Continental breakfast brought to your door is included in the price.
Picnic lunches and Evening meals are also avilable to order, 24 hours in advance. All meals at reasonable rates. Details on request.

Extras (if any):
A gas BBQ is available.

We supply a table and chairs to enhance your enjoyment of the ambience.

If you need us for anything our farmhouse is close by.

Number of bedrooms:

Prices in UK pounds sterling:
Bell Tents :-
For 2 persons including Continental breakfast, car parking and use of facilities:-
£240 per week
or £40 per night

Additional occupancy (max 2) including Continental breakfast and use of facilities:-

Each Adult £90 per week
or £15 per night

Child ages 3 to 16:
£60 per week
or £10 per night
Age 3 and below: free.

Getting Here
For travellers from the UK the simplest and probably the cheapest way of getting to the Alentejo, then looking around the area, is to book a FLY-DRIVE. Flight time is only about 2½ hours non-stop to Lisbon from London. Car hire is cheaper booked as a package in the UK than in Portugal. There are good road links to this area via a mixture of uncrowded motorways (TOLL), scenic country highways and lovely rural roads. Driving time from Lisbon to Portalegre is an unhurried 2½ hours.
There are frequent direct flights from the UK to Lisbon's Portela Airport. From the various London airports, Monarch, Easyjet, British Airways, TAP (Portugal's National Airline) and others. Manchester (Thomsonfly/BMI Baby), Dublin and Belfast (Aer Lingus) and Easyjet flights in operation from Luton and Liverpool, for instance, are options.
Flights direct from and via other European cities are also available e.g. Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt etc. Flights from more long haul destinations are regularly scheduled into Lisbon, such as North and South America, Australia and New Zealand are regularly scheduled into Lisbon.
By way of alternative airports in Portugal there is Faro in the South and Porto to the North. In Spain the airports of Madrid or Seville are around four to five hours drive.
There are various options available for those who do not want to fly or wish to take a more leisurely journey overland to get to the Alentejo.
For example, driving from the UK or other parts of Europe is relatively straightforward using fast major highways or more leisurely byways depending how much of a hurry you are in (allow 2 or 3 days). Having taken the Eurotunnel or choice of Ferry your driving route will then be either through northern Spain from ports of Santander/ Bilboa, or France (Calais) then Spain into Portugal. Bear in mind that this area is only a few kilometres from the Spanish border and so about one hours drive from Badajoz in Spain.
Eurolines in conjunction with other coach operators such as National Express in the UK operates a service ,taking about 36 hours, to Lisbon (also to Portalegre in summer) via France and Spain. There is a daily regular coach service from Lisbon to Portalegre which is cheap, comfortable and reliable; journey time around four hours.
Finally, it is possible to get here by train. Possibly using the new high speed rail links from London via the Eurostar to Paris France then through Madrid in Spain and onto Lisbon. Portalegre is on the Madrid/Badajoz (Spain) line to Lisbon (Portugal). There is also a fast rail link from Porto in Northern Portugal to Lisbon. Certainly the train is a great way to see the countryside but it takes at least 24 hours from London through the Eurotunnel via Paris / Barcelona / Madrid to Lisbon.

Availability & Booking:

Contact the owner of Alentejo Adventure direct.

Pure Portugal advertises on behalf of hosts / owners, who supply their details, and are responsible for accuracy and booking arrangements.
Pure Portugal Ltd is a workers co-operative company, registered in England no: 5123198
Registered Office: 93 North Street, Burwell, Cambridge, CB5 0BB, United Kingdom.